Archtop Guitar to Mandocello

[a800]

Hellloith,

My mandolin teacher said he saw a fellow with an old silvertone archtop guitar converted to a mandocello. My Dad has two vintage archtops and I've been saving for an archtop-shaped mandocello so I think we are going to try it. I was just posting to see if anyone had seen/heard one and what the results were. I shall post some pictures when we finish. Thanks,
Isaac Strap

[Jim M.]

There is one in the classifieds:
mandocello conversion (http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=17938&query=retrieval)

Frank Ford's great website shows how to convert a flat-top, but the process would be similar for an archtop:

Frank's Conversion (http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Guitar/Structural/8StConvert/8stconvert.html)[B]

[a800]

Thank you for the link. That's an interesting job. The cello in the classifieds is super nice as well. I would really like to shave the neck on ours but we don't have the skills required I'm afraid. It should be at least playable when done though. On this should it be able to take an octave tuning or should I use the manocello tuning? It being 60+ years old makes me scared to try it but it would be nice not having to learn a (somewhat) new system.
Isaac Strap

[johnl]

Here's another: an Epi Deluxe (http://www.vintageinstruments.com/photos/inst28/epicelloful.jpg) conversion.
But it's a tad pricier than the one in the classifieds...

[Stephen Perry]

I have a client who did an Eastman guitar conversion recently. Seems nice.

[red7flag]

That is an engrossing article. I have such respect for both the person who requested the changeover and the person who did it. What imagination and talent.
Tony

[Big Joe]

We've done several. I have one in my collection and it is great to play. The tone is incredible! It is a fun project for sure.

[delsbrother]

Here's a 10 string conversion with a BOLT ON (http://cgi.ebay.com/Transgendered-Mandocello-Cittern-once-a-guitar_W0QQitemZ160095261550) neck.

[allenhopkins]

Here's (http://www.bernunzio.com/item.php?sku=069712) a Kay conversion at Bernunzio's -- "plays good up to the 7th fret," he says; about $450 on sale.